Comparative analysis of gender and prefecture-based attitudes toward future parenthood following the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident

This study aimed to examine both concerns about future childbirth and childcare associated with radiation exposure among men and women in different prefectures. In December 2018, a cross-sectional, online questionnaire-based survey was conducted on 620 adults in the general population. The survey included 155 men and 155 women who lived in Fukushima Prefecture at the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake (March 11, 2011), and 155 men and 155 women who lived outside of Fukushima Prefecture. Regardless of gender and prefecture, the greater the perceived anxiety about radiation effects on a partner, the greater the perceived anxiety about future childbirth. In addition, those who did not want to have children were more anxious about rearing children in the future. Compared with women in other prefectures, men in Fukushima Prefecture were more knowledgeable about radiation, thought that radiation would have fewer health effects on their children, and were more confident about future childbearing. These findings suggest that for those who are anxious about future childbirth and childcare, it is important to create an environment where necessary information can be accessed regardless of gender or residence in an area affected by a nuclear accident.